Abstract: Guide Line of Artificial Lift Selection for a Mature Field

MOHAMMED, MOHAMMED

Ras Fanar field is located on the western side of the central part of the Gulf of Suez about 3 km east of the city of Ras Gharib. Production commenced in January 1984 and a peak production rate of 20 MSTB/D was achieved in May 1984. Due to the relatively low reservoir pressure in Ras Fanar field, some of the wells experienced lifting problems at high water-cuts above 20% requiring nitrogen lift to restore intermittent production. Obviously the field needs some sort of artificial lift in order to restore the production rate to the normal levels and to maximise the ultimate recovery.

The decision of which artificial lift method to use is very important to the long-term profitability of the field. An improper decision of artificial lift can reduce production and increase the operating costs substantially. Once a decision has been made on the type to install on a well, it can rarely be altered whether the method selected as and still is the best choice for the existing conditions.

This paper represents the screening criteria on the different artificial lift techniques and the choices were confined to ESP's and gas lift as the most suitable techniques to be applied in the field.The paper explains the two different alternatives, and studies the technical consideration for each one. Reservoir simulation model was used to predict the reservoir performance and the ultimate recovery either naturally or using ESP and Gas lift. And economical evaluation for both cases was conducted concerning with the capital and operating costs

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90911©2000 AAPG Pacific Section and Western Region Society of Petroleum Engineers, Long Beach, California